MTB: Organising races 'dream come true'

NDURO: Xavier Mansell of Rotorua in Nduro action on Eastern Spice. PHOTO/SUPPLIED, MEAD NORTON

For Tim and Belinda Farmer, it all started on a first date in 2008.

"We hired a couple of bikes from Planet Bike," says Tim. "There was a special moment, as we crossed the bridge at Waipa and headed into the forest, when I was struck by a strange feeling on such a warm day, my skin had goose bumps and I felt invigorated."

Tim had raced triathlons before, but in the summer of 2009, he transferred his competitive allegiance to mountain biking, entering the Nduro Summer Cup.

It's been his passion since and last year he raced in one of the toughest mountain bike events on the calendar, the 24 hour Solo World Championships in Canberra.

The couple also enjoyed Nduro events so much they bought the company in 2014.

The opportunity to run MTB events in Rotorua is a dream come true for them with a pristine forest, a variety of trails and a strong local mountain bike community.

"Organising and running a race is like ordering from a coffee shop," says Belinda.

"You expect value for money, right? Delicious coffee and outstanding food that will draw you back - next week, next month or, even better, you bring your friends along to enjoy the experience.

"A mountain bike race is the same and riders want the same value for money. Something with their entry, a good set up and atmosphere on the day and a well-marked course to ride."

Race one of the 12th Nduro Winter MTB Series is on Sunday, July 6. Long time supporters of the series, Jo and Craig Corbett from Galaxy Travel and Ride Central, are sponsoring the event again, with more than $2000 worth of prizes, including a $1500 travel voucher. With 15km, 30km and 50km courses the Winter Series appeals to a wide range of riders and skill levels. The 15km course is designed for those new to mountain biking or who are looking to boost their fitness.

This distance is perfect for kids, first timers and non-competitive riders and is a way for families to enter. The short course is based around entry-level trails, while still providing enough thrills for the more daring rider.

The oldest entry at this stage is 67 and the youngest is 11.

"We've reduced prices for the sprocket or under-16 category," says Tim. "This is to encourage the development of young riders and, so far, over 20 sprockets have entered."

They have introduced pre-rides for entrants around the 15km courses. These have already been a success, identifying sections that may challenge less experienced riders and discussing different options for riding these parts.

Both Tim and Belinda are keen to get more women to mountain bike and there is a women-only category in the short-course race.

They are also giving back to the sport and community they love. From October, riders who enter their events can apply for funding from the Nduro Dream Foundation to chase their sporting aspirations at home or overseas.

And Tim and Belinda will donate about $4000 to the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club for trail maintenance through the Nduro Sustainable Trails Programme.

Support them, in return, by entering the Winter Series at www.n-duro.co.nz